I am a Gastroenterologist and Internist in New York City and a Clinical Associate Professor at NYU Medical School. I am also the host of my own show on SiriusXM Doctor Radio: Channel 110. You can listen to me LIVE every Monday from 8 AM to 10 AM Eastern Time. The show is rerun that night and other times throughout the week.
Our office is at 228 West 82nd Street on the Upper West Side of New York City: (212)362-6468

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Happy Holidays! Its been busy in the office and its busy at home. The holidays are a great time to have a great time, but, as they used to say on "Hill Street Blues," be careful out there.

It wouldn't be the holidays without gastroesophageal reflux. Join me and Dr. Seth Gross, the Director of Endoscopy here at NYU, as we talk about new endoscopic technology for the treatment of one of the more serious complications of GERD: Barrett's esophagus.

Heartburn? Barrett's? Worried? Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

But it can't be all about sickness on Doctor Radio! Join me and the folks from Mixellany as we talk about the history of alcohol. Yes, learn the science of the martini, the chemistry of caprihana and the physics of the Long Island Iced Tea (it proves gravity correct!).

Dietician Rachel Begun will be joining us after that. The holidays provide vast opportunities for eating...and, unfortunately, sickness. Although we think of the summer as the time for food born illness, it can happen anytime.

Holiday food prep questions? Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

We will end the show, as usual, with Ask Doctor Ira, where you can ask me any question on any medical topic at all...whatever you forgot to ask your doctor, ask me! Give me a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

The weather today in New York is dreary, but our show tomorrow is anything but. I am sitting in a hockey rink, looking at churros. The holidays are here. And heartburn abounds. And sinus infections. Related? Maybe. Join me and Dr. Jaime Koufman, otolaryngologist and the author of Dropping Acid, The Reflux Cookbook. Reflux tips, tricks and questions...we want to hear at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

After that we will exand on the conversation to all digestive disease topics! During Digestive Disease Update I will tell you the latest and greatest in Gastroenterology and answer your questions about constipation, diarrhea, heartburn and ulcers: even the pancreas. Give me a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

Ok, its the holidays. Frankincense, myrrh, and all that. I'll be honest, if it wasn't for spell checker I never would have gotten those words out. At least I can spell gold. But what does this have to do with medicine? Find out with Dr. Jim Duke, PhD: ethnobotanist and author of more than thirty books as we talk about Biblical Herbs and Modern Day Medicine.

We will end the show with Ask Doctor Ira, where you can ask me any questions on any medical topic at all: anything you forgot to ask your doctor ask me! Give me a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Happy December! Where does the time go? We have a great show planned for tomorrow.

December 1 was World AIDS Day. Although AIDS isn't on our minds as much as it was in the past, but the disease still kills millions worldwide and infects 50,000 new people here in the United States every year. Find out what's going on right now in the US, and find out how you, and your loved ones, can avoid and help prevent others from getting this disease.

After that, we will have Gastroenterology Update! Find out the latest and greatest news in the world of digestive disease (I am very excited about some new treatments for hepatitis C coming out on the horizon) and have your questions answered by calling us at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

Now, when "Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter," came out, I thought it would be a great idea to tie in the great president with blood bank drives or some such thing: I was told that it might not be the greatest idea. But now that Daniel Day Lewis is in "Lincoln," my producer Melanie has decided that its OK to have a Doctor Radio-Presidential Tie In. Join me and Dr. Robert Lahita as we talk about the hidden illnesses of US Presidents!

We will end the show, as usual, with Ask Doctor Ira, where we will take your calls on any medical question at all...anything that you forgot to ask your doctor, ask me! Give me a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

Saturday, November 24, 2012

I am writing this in a hotel room in Philadelphia. Nonetheless, I am surrounded by the trappings of leftover Thanksgiving: rolls, pieces of cake, and a 3.5 ounce chocolate bar containing 1050 calories. And the only thing I've avoided so far is the chocolate. And its early. Join me and nutritionist Keri Gans as we speak about Getting back on Track after Thanksgiving and staying that way all the way through the holidays!

Diet questions, tips or tricks? Call us at 1-877-NYU-DOCS

Heartburn? Who doesn't have it after Thanksgiving? Call me about that, or any other gastrointestinal problem you may have on GI Update...1-877-NYU-DOCS

Woman have irritable bowel syndrome more often than men. The problem is hard to treat, and there is usually no easy cure or treatment. Join me and gastroenterologist Dr. Jaqueline Wolf as we talk about her book "A Woman's Guide to a Healthy Stomach."

We will end the show, as always, with Ask Doctor Ira, where you can ask me any questions on any medical topic at all...anything you forgot to ask your doctor ask me! Give me a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Gastroenterologists love doing colonoscopies. But how many of them do you really need? Join me and Dr. Mark Pochapin, the Director of Gastroenterology here at NYU Langone Medical Center, as we review some latest findings saying that you may only need one colonoscopy, and if that’s negative, something else less invasive in the future. Or, of course, these may be studies more excited with statistics than the facts on the ground. Either way, its an important issue and one that you will not want to miss.

Do you have questions about colon cancer prevention? Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

After that, we will expand the digestive disease conversation and have Gastroenterology Update, where I will tell you some of the latest and greatest news in the world of digestive diseases and answer your questions on heartburn, liver disease, the pancreas, and pretty much anything else. Tweet me any topics or short questions you want me to talk about!

When you live in New York City, your major “road” concern is not getting run over by the cabdrivers! But, for people who drive on a regular basis, that hard driving 18-wheeler in the lane next to you is clearly a cause for concern. There are over 4000 fatal crashes a year involving trucks. While people tend to think about lack of sleep and tough schedules as a potential cause for accidents, Dr. Stefanos Kales of Harvard has discovered a new cause: obesity. Hear what he has to say, and truckers, I want to hear what you have to say to him! Give him a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

We will end the show with Ask Doctor Ira®, where you can ask me any questions on any medical topic at all and I will be happy to answer you…give me call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Of the many problems caused by Superstorm Sandy, one of the more minor ones seems to be the five pounds many of us tacked on living on a diet of potato chips, warm beer, and greasy goodness. But while losing 5 pounds isn't impossible (but its not easy), how about losing 50? Or more? Join me and NYU Langone Medical Center Bariatric Surgeon and Doctor Radio Host Dr. Marina Kurian as we talk about some of the benefits of weight loss surgery. We'll also tap about some of the GI complications, such as dumping syndrome, gallstones and nutritional deficiencies.

Had weight surgery and having a problem? Considering weight loss surgery? Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

After this, we'll have Gastroenterology Update, where I will tell you some of the latest and greatest news from the world of digestive disease and answer your questions. Call me or tweet at @doctorira!

All of a sudden, the allergies and asthma are back here in New York: in fact its pretty much all I saw in the first few days since I reopened my office. Join me and Allergist Dr. Ellen Epstein as we discuss the impact of weather on allergies, and answer your questions on allergy and asthma! Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

We will end the show, as always, with Ask Dr. Ira, where you can ask me any question you want on any medical topic at all! Anything you forgot to ask your doctor ask me at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

Sunday, November 4, 2012

No hurricane can keep us down at NYU, SiriusXM and Doctor Radio. We are back on the air tomorrow with an excellent show planned from SiriusXM Central while NYU continues to repair and rebuild.

Dr. Billy Goldberg of the Emergency Show (and the author of "Why Men Have Nipples") will be joining me with some tales of the storm here in NY. One of them piqued my interest both as a gastroenterologist as well as someone who has recently rediscovered the need for some basic survival techniques. We'll be joined by Mr. Joseph Jenkins, who by day is a purveyor of roofing and other materials and is also the owner of Humanure: a store devoted to the use of human poop as fertilizer. Yes, its gross. But there are significant waste and health issues worth talking about and we will have no problems doing it!

Feeling a little survivalist. Emergency medical and first aid type questions? Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

We are continuing the phone calls after this. We will have a special combined Ask Doctor Ira / GI Update in our next segment. Find out about the latest and greatest in the world of digestive disease and call us with your medical questions at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

But save your eye questions! Its hard to believe that it was Halloween just last week, and that the weather in NY was just lovely. Dr. Lisa Park, NYU ophthalmologist and co-host of the monthly Doctor Radio Ophthalmology Show will be coming on to talk about the hassles of decorative and other contacts...we'll also be taking your questions on any and all eye issues...give us a call!

We'll end the show with a special encore presentation of Ask Doctor Ira!

Sunday, October 21, 2012

We have a great show planned for this Monday. Dr. Bruce Yacyshyn of the University of Cincinnati will be joining us again. Dr. Yacyshyn is now also a Professor at the Xiangy International Academy of Translational Medicine at Central South University in China: where he is researching the medical uses of herbal medications. Find out about what he's studying: and call us with any questions you may have on the use of herbal medications.

Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

After that we have Gastroenterology Update, where I will tell you some of the latest and greatest news of the world of digestive disease and answer your questions at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

We have a new segment tomorrow: "Small Medicine." Not everything that goes wrong is that serious: sometimes you just want to have your questions answered. Funny rashes, that sore throat, ice or heat? or can you get that flu shot when you're sick...you name it, I'll answer it.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

We are back on the air Monday with a pretty incredible show planned. From dealing with difficult heartburn issues to the potential intellectual benefits of chocolate, we deal with it all. And take your questions.

Starting with the heartburn thing. Many people have heartburn, and a percentage of those have a precancerous lesion called Barrett's esophagus. We've talked about the things that can be done for people with this problem...now we'll hear from the guy who does it. Join me and Dr. Seth Gross, the NYU Hospital Director of Endoscopy as we talk about new things to do if you have Barrett's esophagus.

Worried about your heartburn? Told that it was precancerous? Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

After Dr. Gross we will open it up to all types of digestive disease! Yes, it time for Gastroenterology Update, where I will answer your questions on GI disease and tell you some of the latest updates from the world of Gastroenterology!

Chocolate. Does it make you smart? Despite my theories as a kid that it did, my mother assured me I was wrong. But what did she know? Join me and Dr. Franz Messerli, the director of hypertension at St. Lukes/Roosevelt Hospital Center, as we talk about his study, recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showing that per capita chocolate consumption is associated with the number of nobel prize winners in a given country. A pity I don't have a sweet tooth.

We will end the show, as usual, with Ask Doctor Ira, where you can ask me any questions about any medical issues at all and I will be happy to answer them. Any thing that you forgot to ask your doctor ask me! Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS

Sunday, September 30, 2012

I'm drinking coffee as I write this (at a hockey rink, waiting for my kids game). Its keeping me awake, but is it any good for me? While I won't have the answer to that on Monday morning, I will have some answer for all of those tea drinkers. Jeffrey Blumberg, PhD will tell us about the latest findings about what scientific research says about tea and your health. An expert on nutrition and anti-oxidants at Tufts University, he will tell us about the latest findings from 5th Annual Symposium on Tea and Human Health!

Tea totaler? Drink the stuff? Should you? Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

After this we will have Gastroenterology Update...where I will tell you some of the latest and greatest news from the world of Digestive Disease and answer your GI questions at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

Although my favorite part of being a doctor is finding low tech solutions to people's medical problems, sometimes you just need the toys to help heal someone. And sometimes those toys are a pain. An example would be pins that an orthopedist puts in (and then has to take out). What if you could make medical materials that would just dissolve when the time was right? Join me and University of Illinois Professor John Rogers as we talk about about his new discovery: physically transient forms of silicon electronics. Yeah, I don't know what that means either, but we will find out. It may revolutionize medical treatment for a variety of diseases!

We will end the show with "Ask Doctor Ira," where you can ask me any medical question on any topic at all...anything you forgot to ask your doctor ask me. Give me a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS....or tweet me a question to @doctorira...short questions are sometimes the best!

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Fasting was on a lot of people's minds recently. Ramadan just ended, and Yom Kippur is coming up this week. But what about medical fasting? Lots of people seem to do it...but does it do a darn thing besides make you hungry? Join me and Dr. Chris McStay of Doctor Radio's the ER Show as we talk about just that.

Starving for health? Questions. Call us at 1-877-NYU-DOCS

After that, it will be time for Gastroenterology Update. We'll talk about some of the latest and greatest updates in Gastroenterology, as well as reviewing your problems via email, phone and Twitter!

We talk about the microbiome a lot when we talk about Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other Gastrointestinal disorders. Although its the hot new topic, there are many other things that may contribute to digestive disease. Join me and University of Vermont Professor Dr. Gary Mawe as talk about the digestive systems own nervous system and how it may affect gastrointestinal diseases as varied as gallstones and irritable bowel syndrome.

We will end the show, as always, with Ask Doctor Ira, where you can ask me any questions on any medical topic it all: anything that you forgot to ask your doctor, ask me! Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Happy Fall! Its time to get back into the swing of things, get your flu shot, colonoscopy, mammogram and whatever else you need to maintain your health for the year ahead. We are going to be talking about some important basics, both medical and surgical on tomorrow's show.

We'll start with the surgery. Hernias to be exact. We all talk about them, but what are they? Why do they seem to occur anywhere? And when do you need to do anything about them? Join me and Dr. Steven Hofstetter,the Surgeon in Chief at NYU-Langone's Tisch Hospital, as we talk about all kinds of hernias and what you can do about them.

Hernia? Questions about what to do. Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

After this....GI Update! Hear the latest and greatest in the world of digestive disease and have your questions about heartburn, liver disease, constipation and more answered at 1-877-NYU-DOCS.

Did you know that September is cholesterol awareness month? I admit it, I didn't. What don't you know about cholesterol? Find out with me and Cardiologist Dr. Stephen Siegel. Good, bad, and maybe indifferent, you'll want to know all about it.

We will end the show, as usual, with Ask Doctor Ira, where you can ask me any questions on any medical topic at all...anything you forgot to ask you doctor ask me! 1-877-NYU-DOCS.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Summer Heat. Summer Cooking. Summer Anxiety and Depression. We have it all on the Doctor Ira Breite Show tomorrow.

Starting with depression. Whenever we see commercials on TV for antidepressant medication, its inevitably a middle aged woman that is a star of the ad. But its not just women: men get depressed all the time. Join me and fellow Doctor Radio Host and psychiatrist Dr. Carol Bernstein as we talk about the problem of depression in middle aged men.

Are you a middle aged man whose depressed. Have one in your life? Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS.

After that we have Gastroenterology Update. Find out about the latest news in the world of digestive diseases and have your questions answered at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

Labor Day is not here yet! Join me and dietician Rachel Begun, as we talk about last minute summer gluten free living advice and also (sadly) about preparing for back to school: the healthy way!

We'll end the show with Ask Doctor Ira. Rachel will join me and we'll be taking your questions on any medical topic at all...give us a buzz at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

Sunday, August 19, 2012

As I write this, I am reading about a large Salmonella outbreak in parts of the United States. Listeria has also been reported as well. Food born diarrhea is always a problem. Having said that, an emerging problem is C. difficile colitis, which has been traditionally associated with people in hospitals receiving antibiotics. It is now becoming a community problem as well. C. diff is extremely different to kill, and new treatments are needed. Join me and University of Cincinnati Dr. Bruce Yacyshyn as we talk about his research into a vaccine for C. difficile!

Continuing are Gastroenterology discussion, we are going to have Gastroenterology Update after this. I will tell you some of the latest news in the world of Digestive Disease, and answer your questions on heartburn, gallstones, constipation or any other intestinal related problem out there! Give me a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS.

As if there wasn't enough for baby boomers to do. Now that check up season is around the corner, there is something else that baby boomers are supposed to do. Join me and Dr. Ian Lustbader as we talk about the CDC's new recommendation that people born from 1945 to 1965 receive at least one test for exposure to the hepatitis C virus. Find out why the government wants everyone tested for a disease that has traditionally been associated with blood transfusions and intravenous drug use.

Questions? Call us at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

We will end the show, as always, with Ask Doctor Ira, where you can ask me any question on any medical topic at all: anything you forgot to ask your doctor, ask me! Give me a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

Sunday, August 12, 2012

I hope you are enjoying the end of the Olympics. Currently I am watching team rhythm gymnastics (who knew?) and thinking about what a great show we have planned for tomorrow. One of the little ironies of the Olympics is that I spend a lot of time indoors watching it. Bad for the shape, good for the sun exposure. And scars, because, although I seem to hurt myself all the time participating in sports, I seem to be pretty safe on the couch. Joining me to talk about scar prevention and repair is plastic surgeon Dr. Adam Schaffner, the director of the Juva Plastic Surgery Center here in New York City.

Scar? Unhappy about it? Call us at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

After that, we will have Gastroenterology Update, where I will update you on the latest in the world of digestive disease and I will answer your questions at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

Rabies. Not that common in the United States, but, if you've ever been bitten by a strange dog,squirrel or bat, you know the fear. I was taught in medical school that rabies is almost universally fatal. But what if some people were immune to rabies effects? Join Dr. Amy Gilbert and Dr. Sergio Recueno of the CDC as we talk about a group of people in the Peruvian Amazon who have been exposed to rabies but do not get sick. Learn how their strength may help all of us.

We will end the show with Ask Doctor Ira, where you can ask me any questions on any topic at all: it does not matter what it is. Anything you forgot to ask your doctor, ask me! Give me a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

I am back from Iceland and ready to roll! We have a great show planned for tomorrow.

One of the great things about being in Europe was being able to watch the Olympics live. Its much different than NBC's pretaped extravaganza. Joining me from Germany to talk about this is former Doctor Radio Host Dr. Kimberly Deore. Kim was a competitive gymnast and we'll talk about some of the injuries sustained by these young atheletes.

If you have an athletic kid and questions about injuries, give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

After that its time for Gastroenterology Update, where I will tell you some of the latest and greatest news in the world of digestive diseases and answer your questions on any GI topic. Heartburn, constipation or gallstones: it doesn't matter! Give me a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

Even though its summer, and my mind is more turned to the Olympics and the beach, there is a presidential election going on. And the health of our President's has important ramifications for the country. Join me and Dr. Robert Lahita as we talk about the hidden illnesses of US Presidents. Dr. Lahita is an expert on the subject and recently gave a lecture called "Illness in the Presidency."

We're going to end the show, as usual, with Ask Doctor Ira, where you can ask me any questions on any medical topic at all and I will be glad to answer it...anything you forgot to ask your doctor ask me! Give me a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!image source:

Sunday, July 22, 2012

We have a great show planned for tomorrow. Dr. Mark Pochapin, the Director of Gastroenterology here at NYU, will be coming on my show for a full hour of Digestive disease chat. Hear about the latest research, and have your questions on digestive disease answered.

Call us with your questions on digestive disease at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

In honor of my upcoming trip to Iceland, Dr. Kári Stefánsson, M.D., Dr. Med. will be coming on the air at the top of our second hour. Dr. Stefánsson is the founder of deCODE Genetics, which is headquartered in Reykjavik, Iceland. He and his company have discovered a variant in the amyloid precursor protein that confers protection against both Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline in the elderly. Find out about how this protein works, how the research was done, and whether it can lead to advances to help you and your loved ones as we all age!

We will end the show, as always, with Ask Doctor Ira, where you can ask me any question on any medical topic at all and I will be glad to answer it. Anything that you forgot to ask your doctor, ask me! Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Having survived July 13th, I am psyched for the week ahead. Starting tomorrow, when we have a pretty amazing show planned featuring the Olympics and the human microbiome! What could be better!

We start with the Microbiome. Dr. Emmanuel Mongodin of the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Maryland. Dr. Mongodin will be talking to us about the microbiome, metagenomics, and a new journal, Microbiome, that will be devoited to these subjects.

If you've ever wanted to know about the interaction between human bacteria and health, you're not going to want to miss this!

After this, we'll have Gastroenterology Update, where I will answer your questions on any digestive disease topic: whether its heartburn, your pancreas, or even the liver, give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

The Olympics are coming. Two weeks of the world's greatest athletes competing against each other. We always hear about the guys who try to cheat with performance enhancing drugs. But what about an athlete with a medical problem. How do you balance "performance enhancing" with "necessary." Joining me is Carrie Johnson, US Olympic kayaker and Crohn's disease patient. Also joining us is Dr. GaryWadler, an internist with special knowledge of the use of drugs in sports.

We will end the show with "Ask Doctor Ira," where you can ask me any questions on any medical topic at all...anything you forgot to ask your doctor, ask me! Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

Sunday, July 8, 2012

More summer! More heat! Maybe a little bit more constipation? How about diverticulosis or diverticulitis? Everyone always talks about it but no one really knows what it is. Join me and NYU Colon and Rectal Surgeon Dr. Mitchell Bernstein as we talk about all three: find out what you can and can't do if you have diverticulosis and find out what to do it you've ever had diverticulitis!

Questions: Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS

After this, we'll open up the questions to any of your digestive issues...heartburn, ulcers, even your liver or pancreas. Its Gastroenterology Update from 8:30 to 9:00AM ET.

Call me with any digestive disease question or problem at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

Although people always think of winter as cold and flu season, there is a lot of weird that occurs during the summer months. One of those things is pericarditis, or inflammation around the heart sac. Goofy. Misdiagnosed as heart attacks, asthma, esophagitis. Find out about this not uncommon condition with me and Cardiologist Dr. Stephen Siegel. Chest pain questions? Call 1-877-NYU-DOCS.

We will end the show, as usual, with Ask Doctor Ira, where you can ask me any questions on any medical topic at all. Anything you forgot to ask your doctor, ask me? Call me at 1-877-NYU-DOCS or follow me on Twitter and send me a message!

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Summer time, summer time problems. Heat and asthma, digestive issues, and of course, healthy grilling are all at the heart of our show for Monday.

Asthma is tough, and harder in the summer. Imagine how hard it would be if you spent your life swimming competitively! Join me an Amy Van Dyken, Olympic Swimming Legend and six-time Olympic Gold Medalist Amy Van Dyken as we talk about her allergic asthma.

After that, it will be Gastroenterology Update. Join me as we talk about the latest and greatest news in the world of digestive disease and answer you questions at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

All that talk about swimming is making me hungry (the digestive disease stuff a little less so, but I've been doing this a while). Join me and dietitian Rachel Begun as we talk about healthy, gluten free (and some gluten filled) recipes and grilling tips for summer!

We're going to end the show with Ask Doctor Ira, where you can ask me any questions on any medical topic at all and I will be glad to answer it...anything you forgot your doctor, ask me! Call us at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Summer. A time to relax. Certainly not a big time to think about colon cancer prevention. To quote one of my patients: "its too hot to get a colonoscopy!" What about other techniques for finding colon cancer early? How about one you can do in the comfort of your own air conditioned home? University of Texas, Houston Gastroenterologist Dr. David Wolf will be joining us to talk about "at home" fecal immunohistochemical tests for early detection of colon cancer. Will be both end up out of a job? Find out!

Call us with your colon cancer prevention questions at 1-877-NYU-DOCS

After this, we are going to expand the conversation with GI Update. We'll be covering some important news in the world of the world of gastroenterology as well as discussing some of the interesting things that I've seen recently. Call us with any of your questions at 1-877-NYU-DOCS.

Summer. You think the allergies are over, but they are not (I'm sniffling a little as I write this). Join me and Dr. Clifford Basset of Allergy and Asthma Care New York and find out why its not a virus...its your allergies!

We will end the show, as usual, with Ask Doctor Ira, where you can ask me any questions on any medical topic at all: anything you forgot to ask your doctor, ask me! Give me a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

Traveling this summer....you are not going to want to miss what Dr. Tierno and Ms. Ellin have to say.
Questions about travel bugs...give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

After that its time for Gastroenterology update. I received some great questions on email at irabreite@yahoo.com while i was on vacation...we'll go over those, as well as taking your digestive disease questions at 1-877-NYU-DOCS. Of course, you can always follow me on twitter at @doctorira and find and follow me that way too!

If you've ever had a sick parent or child, you know how difficult it can be to navigate the healthcare system. If you're the patient, it can be even more difficult to figure out the correct thing to do. Martine Ehrenclou, MA, the author of "Critical Conditions," has written a new book, "The Take-Charge Patient," addressing her issues dealing with the health care system and telling you how to find the right doctor, the right treatment, and get what you need done done!

We'll end the show, as always, with Ask Doctor Ira, where you can ask me any questions on any medical topic at all:it doesn't matter what it is...anything you forgot to ask your doctor, ask me at 1-877-NYU DOCS!

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Digestive diseases and young geniuses are the themes for this years show. Digestive Disease Week has just finished...11,000 gastronterologists that made San Diego look slightly more sallow have come and gone. Dr. Mark Pochapin, NYU's Director of Gastroenterology, will come in to tell us about some of the highlights from this important meeting. We are going to follow this up with Gastroenterology Update, where we will continue the digestive disease by answering your questions at 1-877-NYU-DOCS.
What were you doing when you were 15? Even after all these years, I'm loath to admit what I was doing. Jack Andraka developed a new test to detect pancreatic cancer that's 100 times better than anything out there now. Hear his story.
We will end the show with Ask Doctor Ira, where you can ask me any questions on any medical topic at all. Any thing you forgot to ask your doctor, ask me. Give me a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Food Allergies! Bad enough when you have some control of them at home. Much worse in the workplace when the guy in the cubicle next to you is unwrapping his peanut butter and shrimp sandwich! Join me and Dr. Ellen Epstein as we talk about the importance of food allergies in and out of the workplace!

After that, we are doing double-time "Ask Doctor Ira!" A half hour now, and a half hour at the end of the show (with a little Gastroenterology thrown in for good measure, of course). Anything you forgot to ask your doctor ask me at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

Metabolic syndrome: we know that it can lead to heart disease and diabetes. But neurological problems? Find out with me and author of a study looking at how metabolic syndrome in the brain and omega-3 fatty acid deficiency can lead to cognitive decline! Join me and study author Dr. Fernando Gomez-Pinella of UCLA as we talk about his new study!

Metabolic syndrome questions? Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS

End of the show? Not at all. As promised, we have more Ask Doctor Ira!

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Its Trucker Week on SiriusXM and we are talking about Trucker Health on Doctor Radio. Join me as I speak with Brett Blowers of the Healthy Trucking Association of America. We will have Gastroenterology Update, and then speak with Dr. Karen Heaton of the University of Alabama. Dr. Heaton is an expert on truckers, both professionally and personally! We will end the show, as always, with Ask Doctor Ira...anything you forgot to ask your doctor, ask me! Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Bioterrorism! Now there is a way to grab your attention. There is a recent study in Nature showing that it is possible to enhance bird flu virus. Some experts believe this article could be used as a recipe for bioterrorism. Join me and Fox News Medical Corespondent and Doctor Radio Medical Director Dr. Marc Siegel as we talk about whether we should be afraid of bioterrorism from this kind or research or this is just legitimate scientific inquiry that should be distributed widely.

Comments about where the line between scientific freedom and helping terrorists is...give us call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS.

After this its time for Gastroenterology Update! Questions about digestive disease...give me a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS. Thanks to emails and comments at my twitter @Doctorira. We will try to get to as many of your calls, tweets and emails as we can!

Speaking of terror, what about the murder and mayhem that accompanied the beginnings of the Soviet Union? Rising to the top of this was Vladmir Lenin, born in 1870 in in Russia. Lenin died in 1924 at the age of 54...but what killed him? Join Dr. Philip Mackowiak, MD, the author of 'Post Mortem: Solving History's Great Medical Mysteries," and Dr. Harry Vinters, a Professor of Neurology at the Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the expert who examined the medical records of Lenin and presented the results at the 19th Historical Clinicopatholigical Conference at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

We will end the show as usual with "Ask Doctor Ira," where you can ask me any questions on any medical topic at all...it does not matter what it is. Anything you forgot to ask your doctor, ask me!

Sunday, April 29, 2012

IBS is awful and difficult to treat. Many people, desperate for relief, have tried numerous unproven therapies. What about acupuncture? Join me and Eric Manheimer, MS, a research associate at the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Maryland, as we talk about his new study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology looking at research on whether acupuncture is an effective treatment for IBS.

Integrative treatment questions? Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS

After this, its time for Gastroenterology Update! Call me with you digestive disease questions and hear about some of the latest and greatest Gastroenterology news! You can also follow me on twitter at @doctorira to find out some of these headlines!

If you've never heard of it, the Wounded Warrior Project is sponsored by the GW Bush Presidential Center. Twenty disabled servicemen recently joined former President George W. Bush on a 100K bike ride. Join me and Doctor Radio Medical Director (and my radio boss) Dr. Marc K. Siegel as we discuss the race. Marc was there...I wonder if he was riding or hanging out in the News Van!

We'll end the show, as usual, with Ask Doctor Ira, where you can ask me any questions on any medical topic at all! Anything you forgot to ask your doctor, ask me. GIve me a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

Sunday, April 22, 2012

You wouldn't know it by looking outside the window here in New York City, but the warm weather is right around the corner. Risks and pleasures follow.

Meninogoccal Meningitis is a deadly, preventable, disease. Find out about it, and how you can help prevent it. Join Lynn Bozof, the president of the National Meningitis Association and Jamie Schanbaum, a meningococcal meningitis survivor and the founder of the J.A.M.I.E Group, as we talk about their stories, abount menigococcus, and what you can do about it!

Gastroenterology update follows. There is some exciting new basic research on gut mircrobes and how they may play a contributing role in protecting mice from diabetes and fatty liver disease.

Then, its meat time! Join me, Dietician and Doctor Radio Regular Keri Gans, butcher and star of The Food Network's "Meat Men" Pat LaFrieda, and the imported wine director for LOT18 as we talk about healthy ways to combine meat, wine, and yes, health!

Call us with your meat, wine or health questions at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

We will end the show, as always, with "Ask Doctor Ira," where you can ask me any medical question on any topic at all...anything you forgot to ask your doctor, ask me!

Sunday, April 15, 2012

I had (another) birthday over the weekend. They seem to be happening a lot, recently. Anyway, while not a particularly vain man, I have noticed a change in my appearance over the years. Should I try to get my old youthful look back? Join me and Dr. Adam Schaffner, an otolaryngologist and plastic surgeon at Weill Cornell Medical Center as we talk about plastic surgery in men.

Thinking of having a little work? Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

After that, its time for Gastroenterology Update, where I will tell you some of the latest news in Digestive Diseases and answer some of your questions on anything involving the liver, pancreaas, stomach, esophagus, or more!

Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS

The National Library of Medicine is the greatest repository of medical history and memorabilia in the world! Its so vast that its difficult to even find many of the interesting things located there. Join me and Dr. Michael Sappol, a Curator at the Library and the Editor of "Hidden Treasure: The National Library of Medicine" as we talk about some of the libraries intriguing, weird and fascinating treasures.

We will end the show, as always, with Ask Doctor Ira, where you can ask me any questions on any medical topic at all and I will be glad to answer them. Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS with any questions you forgot to ask your doctor!

Sunday, April 8, 2012

A short, post holiday posting tonight. Speaking of holidays, for those of us who celebrate Passover, there is an abundance of Matzo in the diet. Matzo, also known as one of the greatest causes of constipation in the Western World. Join me and gastroenterologist Dr. Wes Jones as we talk about this delicate subject. Dr. Jones is the author of "Cure Constipation Now!"

After this, we will expand the digestive discussion to anything in the digestive tract...constipation, diarrhea, reflux or even the liver. Its Gastoenterology Update! Call us with your questions at 1-877-NYU-DOCS.

Celiac Disease is awful. Although treatable with diet, it would be great if there were better options. Join me, Dr. Patrick Griffin and Ms. Leslie Williams from ImmusanT, a company that is investigating a vaccine for celiac disease!

Call with your celiac questions at 1-877-NYU-DOCS

We will end the show, as always, with Ask Doctor Ira, where you can ask me any medical question at all and I will be happy to answer! Anything you forgot to ask your doctor, ask me! Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS

Sunday, April 1, 2012

I hope everyone has survived April Fool's intact. We are planning a great show for tomorrow, and that, as they say, is no joke. And yes, the preceding sentence was an awful one.

Irritable bowel syndrome is also awful. Although it isn't "deadly," it can lead to significant morbidity and a whole lot of misery. Join me and Dr. David Wolf, a gastroenterologist at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Find out about the latest research, including a study that I commented on for Reuters!

Call us with your IBS questions at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

After this, we will continue with IBS update, where I will review some of the latest findings in digestive diseases and will be happy to answer any questions you may have on heartburn, constipation, IBS or even the liver or pancreas! Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS.

We are having a GI themed show today. At the top of the hour, join me and Rachel Begun, MS, RD as we talk about celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and the difference between the two.

We will end the show with Ask Doctor Ira, where you can ask me any questions on any medical topic at all...anything you forgot to ask your doctor, ask me! Give me a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

I am back from vacation in beautiful Sugarloaf Key, Florida and ready to go!

I can't tell you why, but my sinuses always seem to clear the second I get off the plane from New York to anywhere warm. But I get sinusitis, and I certainly seem many patients with the same. They all want antibiotics, and I often prescribe them. But should I? Join me and Dr. Thomas File, Jr., the author of new guidelines from the Infectious Disease Society of North America Guidelines on Treating Rhinosinusitis. Find out who should get antibiotics, and who shouldn't!

Call us with your sinusitis questions at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

When I was on vacation, I started the process of recertifying my board exams (every 10 years!) for the third time! Not fun for me, but good for my patients, and also good for Doctor Radio! Hear some of the latest and greatest from the world of digestive disease, as well as your questions at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

And then, an hour with Dr. Mickey Harpaz! Dr. Harpaz and I will be talking about menopause, man-o-pause and his book, "Menopause Reset." We will then have a special "Ask Doctor Ira," where Dr. Harpaz and I will answer all of your medical questions!

The Gastroenterology does not stop after this (bad pun sort intended after the fact). During Digestive Disease update I will take your callls on a variety of digestive disease issues, and tell you about some of the latest and greatest news in the world of digestive diseases.

If you or a loved one ever had your appendix out, the pain and misery of the disease and procedure were tempered by the fact that the pesky organ "didn't really do anything." But...well...maybe it does. Join me and Dr. William Parker, Jr, PhD from the Duke University Medical Center as we talk about what your appendix actually does.

We will end the show with Ask Doctor Ira, where you ask me any question on any medical topic at all and I will be glad to answer...anything you forgot to ask your doctor, ask me! Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

Sunday, March 4, 2012

For years, doctors had charts. Hospitals had charts. And charts sort of stank. Hard to read, hard to find, and chock full of, well, something, they were a frustrating part of medical practice. And now, we are entering a new computer age! An age of electronic medical records..which are, frustrating to enter, potentially alters doctor patient communication, and potentially allows everyone who matters to see that you really did end up in the ER as a sophomore in college because you over indulged on Margarita night. How do you balance all of these needs? Join me and Dr. Ann O'Malley at the Center for Studying Health System Change in Washington as we talk about the Electronic Health Records.

If you have a story (good or bad) about Electronic Health Records..let us know. Call us at 1-877-NYU-DOCS, or send me a tweet at @doctorira.

After this, its time for Gastroenterology Update. Call us with your digestive disease questions and be prepared to hear some of the latest and greatest news in the world of stomach, colon, liver and pancreatic diseases!

Allergies? The season is starting. Join me as Dr. Cliff Bassett as we discuss the latest from the National Allergy Meetings!

Call us with your allergy questions at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

We will end the show, as always, with Ask Doctor Ira, where you can ask me any questions on any medical topic at all and I will be happy to answer. Anything that you forgot to ask your doctor, ask me at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Its been a big week in gastroenterology. We can not wait to talk about it on the Doctor Ira Breite Show.

Well, at least not until our second segment! Our first segment involves a growing problem: addiction to pain killers after their legitimate use for post-operative pain. Join me as we are joined by Dr. Mark Kraus, an addiction medicine specialist in Connecticut and his patient "Mike B." as we talk about Mike's struggle after root canal surgery.

And then, colon cancer prevention. When I was a fellow (too many years ago to count) in Gastroenterology, I trained under the team that ran the "National Polyp Study," which showed that removing colon polyps prevented the progression to cancer. Now, the same folks have shown that polypectomy leads to a reduced mortality rate..in other words colonoscopy makes you less likely to die! Join me and lead study author Dr. Ann Zauber as we talk about this important study and answer your questions at 1-877-NYU-DOCS

We doctors of Doctor Radio are, of course, master communicators! But what about the rest of those doctors. Join me and Dr. Yoon Kang of New York Presbyterian Hospital / Cornell Medical College as we talk about using actors as patients!

We will end the show, as usual, with Ask Doctor Ira, where you can ask me any medical questions on any topic at all and I will be happy to answer. Anything that you forgot to ask your doctor ask me! Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Believe it or not (and I'm not sure I do), this week is my FOURTH ANNIVERSARY on Doctor Radio! I would like thank Sirius XM for giving me the opportunity to have a show and all of my listeners for helping to make this happen. We have a great show planned for you tomorrow!

We've talked about the dangers of nail salons with former ACG President Dr. David Johnson before. But it turns out that the hepatitis B risk we spoke about is just the tip of the iceberg! Find out about other risks. Learn the dangers of home piercing and tattoos (yeah, for your kids. Whatever). And find out if those lawyers on late night TV claiming there are problems with drugs such as Prilosec have a point.

Call us with your questions at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

I will be continuing our gastroenterology conversation in the next segment with Gastroenterology Update. Call me at 1-877-NYU-DOCS with your questions about your liver, pancreas, that heartburn or constipation. And remember, Colon Cancer Prevention Month is coming!

Kim Deore, MD will be joining me from Germany to start our second hour. As you know, Kim was one of the other five original hosts on Doctor Radio (along will me, Billy Goldberg, "About our Kids," and Roshini Rajapaska). Find out whats going on with her as we talk about the early days of Doctor Radio, some medical stuff, and so much more!

We will end the show with "Ask Doctor Ira," where you can call me with any medical question at all: it does not matter what it is...anything you forgot to ask your doctor ask me! Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS

Sunday, February 5, 2012

I admit this will be a short post...I am exhausted after watching the NY Giants wind Superbowl XLVI! But come tomorrow, I will be ready for the show!

Dysautonomia. Dysauto-what! Find out about the autonomic nervous system, and the problems that people can have with them. Join me and Dr. Horacio Kaufmann of NYU's Dysautonomia center as we talk about this set of diseases and find out what can be done about them!

After this we have GI update!

At 9 Am we have the Hip Hop Doc: Dr. Rani Whitfield! Find out how he uses music and entertainment (comic books?) to help educate people about health!

We will end the show with Ask Doctor Ira, where you can ask me any questions on any medical topic at all...anything you forgot to ask your doctor ask me at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Did you ever wonder how they came up with the word "atorvastatin?" Did you wonder even more why they just don't keep calling it "Lipitor?" And aren't you really glad you don't have to call it (3R,5R)-7-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-phenyl-4-(phenylcarbamoyl)-5-propan-2-ylpyrrol-1-yl]-3,5-dihydroxyheptanoate! Join me and Dr. Carmen Drahl as we talk about the how drugs get their generic names. Learn why I was a Chemistry Minor in college and NOT a chemistry major!

If you have any questions about drugs or drug names give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

After that, we will have Gastroenterology Update! I will take your calls on digestive diseases: any problem you have, be it heartburn, colonoscopy questions or gas, give me a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS.

Speaking of gas, irritable bowel syndrome is always a hot topic on the Doctor Ira Breite Show. Recently, many gastroenterologists have been recommending probiotics for their patients with IBS. But there is another (although not FDA approved) option: the use of antibiotics to regulate gut flora. Join me and Dr. William Chey, the co-editor of the American Journal of Gastroenterology, as we talk about the latest study in the Journal on the use of rifamixin in IBS!

IBS? Problems? Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

We will end the show with Ask Doctor Ira, where you can ask me any questions on any medical topics at all: anything you forgot to ask you doctor, ask me! Give me a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

After this we'll have Gastroenterology Update. So much is new in the world of GI, you are not going to believe it...and call us with your questions at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

Being a patient is not easy. Being a caregiver is even harder. Taking care of aging parents and sick spouses is not easy. Join me and clinical bio-ethicist and author Viki Kind as we talk about taking care of loved ones and her new book, "The Caregiver's Path To Compassionate Decision Making: Making Choices For Those Who Can't."

Need advice on caring for a sick loved one? Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

We will end the show with Ask Doctor Ira, where you can ask me any medical question on any topic and I will be happy to answer it: anything you forgot to ask your doctor ask me!

Sunday, January 8, 2012

We are back from vacation! The holidays were quite relaxing, but its time to get back to work here on the Doctor Ira Breite Show. If you've been overindulging a bit, we have a show for you.

Gastroesophageal Reflux! A problem that is not going away. Sometimes, medications just don't quite cut it. Sometimes, people just don't want to take them on a chronic basis. Join me and Dr. Marc Bessler of Columbia University Medical Center as we talk about the surgical treatment of Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease.

Reflux Questions? Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

More Gastroenterology follows! I'll host Gastroenterology Update, where I will answer your questions on any digestive disease question and go over some of the latest and greatest research on the stomach, colon, liver and pancreas!

We are going to start our second hour "kick starting your body" this winter. Join me, Dietician and author Keri Gans and Nutrition and exercise physiologist Dr. Mickey Harpaz. Keri is the author of "The Small Change Diet" and Mickey is the author of "Menopause Reset" and "I Want My Body Back!".

Need to get in shape (heck, bathing suit season is just around the corner!). Give us a call at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

We will end the show, as usual, with Ask Doctor Ira, where you can ask me any questions on any medical topic at all...anything you forgot to ask your doctor ask me! at 1-877-NYU-DOCS!

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Is there anything you've ever wondered about? Did you see a medical story in the news and still have questions as to what it means. Did you ask a question that your internist or primary care doctor "didn't have time" to answer? I want to talk about it. Please send me an email . On Mondays, you can always CALL LIVE from 8AM to 10AM Eastern time at 877-NYU-DOCS.

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